Codeine Addiction Treatment

Codeine Addiction Treatment at Promises

Clients with codeine addiction may need to complete drug detox before they begin inpatient or outpatient treatment. Long-term codeine use should not be stopped suddenly without supervision as codeine withdrawal symptoms are common for people who’ve developed a dependence to the drug. Clients will work with a medical team and specially trained behavioral health care staff to begin repairing the physical and emotional deficits caused by substance abuse.

About Codeine

Codeine has long been used to treat coughs and colds and is sometimes prescribed for pain relief, especially for numbing back pain. However, codeine’s pleasure-inducing effects when used in large amounts make it a high-risk drug for abuse when used without medical supervision. Codeine affects cell receptors similarly to the way opioids like heroin interact with them. Some heroin addicts use large amounts of codeine to help ease withdrawal symptoms. Codeine should not be used without the oversight of medical professionals.

According to the World Health Organization, codeine is likely the most commonly used drug overall. While codeine can be extracted from opium, it is usually synthesized from morphine. It is found in many over-the-counter drugs, including:

Tylenol with codeine

Codalgin

Mersyndol

Nurofen Plus

Panadeine

Pirophen

Prescription and over-the-counter codeine cough syrups

Codeine can be ingested in pill or liquid form, injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly, or smoked as an additive to marijuana. It binds to receptors in the central nervous system that typically bind with the body’s own physiological opioids such as endorphins and enekphalins. Codeine abuse is common because in high doses, it can provide feelings of euphoria. However, it has less abuse potential than some other opioids such as oxycodone and hydrocodone.

Short-Term Effects of Codeine

Common effects other than pain relief include euphoria, itching, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dry mouth, miosis (enlargement of pupils), urinary retention, depression and constipation. Another common side effect is lack of sexual drive and increased complications in erectile dysfunction. Some people may also have an allergic reaction to codeine, such as swelling and rashes.

A potentially fatal drug reaction is respiratory depression. The higher the dose taken, the more likely it is for breathing, heart rate and blood pressure to slow to dangerous levels. Because codeine is metabolized to morphine, breastfeeding mothers can pass morphine through breast milk in potentially lethal amounts, fatally depressing the baby’s respiration.

Long-Term Effects of Codeine Abuse

Prolonged use of codeine can result in tolerance, which means that some people will increase the dosage to attempt to achieve the same results. This can lead to abuse and codeine addiction. With chronic codeine use, the brain slows or even stops endorphin production, resulting in acute pain without codeine use. Itching, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, constipation, liver damage and stomach ulcers may also occur.

As with other opiate-based painkillers, codeine use can lead to physical dependence, so codeine withdrawal symptoms may occur if a person suddenly stops taking it. These adverse symptoms include drug craving, runny nose, yawning, sweating, insomnia, weakness, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle spasms, chills, irritability and pain. Codeine can also be a gateway drug to opioids like OxyContin and heroin.

Do You Need Codeine Addiction Treatment?

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should consider codeine addiction treatment:

Using more codeine than prescribed by your physician

Using codeine without the supervision of a medical professional

Needing more and more codeine to get the same effect

“Doctor shopping” to obtain more codeine prescriptions

Using codeine to curb withdrawal symptoms from other drugs such as heroin

Using codeine with other substances such as alcohol to get a more intense effect

Looking for Help?

It’s possible to overcome addiction and live a better life. Our licensed, specially trained addiction professionals can help you heal from the physical and emotional wounds of substance abuse. Call our recovery advisers to learn more about codeine addiction treatment. Your phone consultation is free and confidential. Take the first step to a better life. Call: 844-876-5568

Schizophrenia is one of the most disabling illnesses in the world. The disease wreaks havoc on everyday functioning, affecting the ability to live independently, engage in productive activities and social interactions, and attain/maintain employment.

Sweating excessively, especially at night, can be caused by menopause, low blood sugar, fever, a condition called hyperhidrosis and certain medications (e.g., antidepressants and steroids). If you drink alcohol, night sweats can be a […]